Qwest Enhances Performance of Its High-Speed Internet Service

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2005--Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) today announced that a new premium tier of high-speed Internet access will be available to customers beginning May 3. The new service, called Qwest Choice DSL Premier, provides speeds of up to 5 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream, subject to customer availability. This new service delivers a high-speed Internet experience that is up to three times faster than Qwest's previous top speed of 1.5 Mbps and up to 89 times faster than a dial-up connection.
    Qwest Choice DSL Premier is ideal for advanced users, such as those who work from home and small-business customers, as well as for homes and businesses with multiple users. The service makes it easier to send and receive very large files, achieve instant page loads, network multiple computers, view television-quality streaming video, experience faster movie downloads and enjoy improved online multi-user gaming.
    In addition, Qwest continues to offer one of the fastest upload speeds available at up to 896 kilobits per second (Kbps), which allows customers to quickly send digital photos to an e-mail or Web site; businesses to swiftly attach comprehensive files into e-mail; and online gamers to enjoy instant reaction time when competing online, which can provide the winning edge.
    Qwest DSL is easy to get started, easy to use and a great value. With a dedicated connection that offers unlimited high-speed Internet access, customers can benefit with one-click connections to the Internet and eliminate the dial-up wait.
    Now customers can choose from three Qwest high-speed Internet services, each designed to meet different needs, and customers receive additional discounts when the service is packaged with other Qwest services. Plus, customers can purchase a wireless-ready modem and easily share the connection in their home or office.
    "Qwest understands the importance of meeting customers' varying needs," said Matt Rotter, Qwest vice president of product management. "With three tiers of high-speed Internet access, Qwest has the flexibility to deliver the right service to every customer, whether it's for the casual, everyday or the advanced user."
    Customers who order Qwest Choice DSL Premier with MSN Premium for their home will receive the service for $29.99 per month for the first two months with a qualifying Qwest home phone package ($34.99 per month without). After two months, the price is $49.99 per month with a qualifying Qwest home phone package ($54.99 without).
    Business customers who order Qwest Choice DSL with Internet Prime for their office will receive the service for $39.99 per month for the first two months with a qualifying business phone package ($44.99 without). After two months, the price is $57.99 per month with a qualifying Qwest business phone package ($62.99 without).
    Customers also can purchase Qwest's fastest Internet access and combine it with their choice of Internet service provider (ISP) from a list of Qwest-participating ISPs. In addition, customers who do not have a Qwest home phone line also can purchase Qwest DSL Premier service.
    For questions about qualification, packages or pricing, or to order Qwest DSL, please call 800-244-1111 (residential customers) or 800-603-6000 (small-business customers). Customers also can visit http://www.qwest.com/jump/dsl/ to quickly determine whether their line qualifies for DSL or they can stop by one of Qwest's 90 Solutions Centers located across its region, which provide customers with personal face-to-face assistance. For a list of Qwest Solutions Centers, visit http://www.qwest.com/stores/index.html.

    About Qwest

    Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) is a leading provider of voice, video and data services. With more than 40,000 employees, Qwest is committed to the "Spirit of Service" and providing world-class services that exceed customers' expectations for quality, value and reliability. For more information, please visit the Qwest Web site at www.qwest.com.

    Forward-Looking Statement Note

    This release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: access line losses due to increased competition, including from technology substitution of our access lines with wireless and cable alternatives; our substantial indebtedness, and our inability to complete any efforts to de-lever our balance sheet through asset sales or other transactions; any adverse outcome of the current investigation by the U.S. Attorney's office in Denver into certain matters relating to us; adverse results of increased review and scrutiny by regulatory authorities, media and others (including any internal analyses) of financial reporting issues and practices or otherwise; rapid and significant changes in technology and markets; any adverse developments in commercial disputes or legal proceedings, including any adverse outcome of current or future legal proceedings related to matters that are the subject of governmental investigations, and, to the extent not covered by insurance, if any, our inability to satisfy any resulting obligations from funds available to us, if any; potential fluctuations in quarterly results; volatility of our stock price; intense competition in the markets in which we compete including the likelihood of certain of our competitors consolidating with other providers or otherwise reorganizing their capital structure to more effectively compete against us; changes in demand for our products and services; acceleration of the deployment of advanced new services, such as broadband data, wireless and video services, which could require substantial expenditure of financial and other resources in excess of contemplated levels; higher than anticipated employee levels, capital expenditures and operating expenses; adverse changes in the regulatory or legislative environment affecting our business; changes in the outcome of future events from the assumed outcome included in our significant accounting policies; our ability to utilize net operating losses in projected amounts; and our inability to provide any assurance as to whether we will be successful in our effort to acquire MCI, whether in the event of an acquisition we realize synergies in the amounts, at the times and at the related costs projected and whether regulatory approvals will be received within the timeframe projected and that such approvals will not be materially adverse to the projected operations of the combined company following the merger.
    The information contained in this release is a statement of Qwest's present intention, belief or expectation and is based upon, among other things, the existing regulatory environment, industry conditions, market conditions and prices, the economy in general and Qwest's assumptions. Qwest may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in Qwest's assumptions or otherwise. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this release should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Qwest or persons acting on its behalf may issue. This release may include analysts' estimates and other information prepared by third parties for which Qwest assumes no responsibility.
    Qwest undertakes no obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements and other statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
    By including any information in this release, Qwest does not necessarily acknowledge that disclosure of such information is required by applicable law or that the information is material.

    The Qwest logo is a registered trademark of Qwest Communications International Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries.

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CONTACT: Qwest Communications International Inc. Media Contact: Silvia McLachlan, 303-965-3424 silvia.mclachlan@qwest.com or Investor Contact: Stephanie Comfort, 800-567-7296 IR@qwest.com

KEYWORD: COLORADO INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD TELECOMMUNICATIONS INTERNET E-COMMERCE PRODUCT SOURCE: Qwest Communications International Inc.

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